Not directly, but I have heard of this. Is he under the care of a regular physician? If so, I can only imagine that he's on a calcium supplement to help slow down the progression of the disease. I don't think that osteoporosis is reversable, but you can slow it down. I wonder what the prognosis is for someone who develops this so young in life?

Hi. We are under the care of the Spina Bifida clinic at McMaster. He had a bone scan and blood work done about three weeks ago and we are awaiting results and what the next plan of action is. I too, would like to know the prognosis. What does this mean down the road. I hate to admit, that I am still learning so much about SB, Hydro, Chari and now osteoporosis. We have had Ethan for exactly one year and one week today. He's gone through a lot in his six years of life. Im afraid to ask the outcome and even life expectancy. Is that appropriate....I don't know.

Here's some advice
People with Spina Bifida are at higher risk for getting Osteoporosis.

What causes Osteoporosis?
The normal bone cycle is that old bone breaks down and is replaced with new bone. Osteoporosis creates an imbalance in this rebuilding cycle – old bone breaks down but new bone does not form. For women, this process speeds up after menopause. For both men and women, as we age beyond 40 or 50 years old, our bones gradually lose their density. One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 in the U.S. will break a bone due to Osteoporosis.

How can Osteoporosis be treated?
There are medications that effectively preserve or maintain bone density, especially during menopause — and decrease the risk of breaking a bone as a result of osteoporosis. They are most effective when taken before Osteopenia becomes Osteoporosis however. For that reason, early discussion with your doctor is important.

I am new to learning about SB and did not know that osteoporosis impacted those with SB. Is their an age range for this? My friend's daughter will be six in a few months and I was wondering if she should be tested.

It is unusual for a child of that age to have osteoporosis, however it doesn't mean that it never happens, as you have now unfortunately had to find out. As other people have mentioned, sadly the condition cannot be reversed, but there are things that you can change in his diet to make sure that things do not progress faster than absolutely necessary. Calcium is important, and regular gentle exercise can help also. I wish you the best of luck here; you could make a huge difference in this child's life.